A country estate was transported back hundreds of years today (Wednesday) as a historic battle march dating back to 1066 was brought to life.

The group of re-enactors paid a visit to Audley End House and Gardens as one of many stops on their epic 300-mile journey inspired by that taken by King Harold to the Battle of Hastings 950 years ago.

Organised by English Heritage, which runs the Jacobean estate near Saffron Walden, the march came as part of its programme to mark the 950th anniversary of the Norman Conquest.

The group, who were both on foot and horseback, visited the property as they travelled south from York to Battle over a three-week period.

They are due to arrive at the East Sussex battlefield on Friday, October 14.

The 1066 re-enactors at Audley End estate near Saffron Walden (Photo: Richard Patterson)

Emma Sewell, head of events at English Heritage, said: “Throughout 2016 English Heritage has been marking the anniversary of 1066 – one of the most famous battles and most transformative years in English history – at sites and events across the country.

“This march and our re-enactment weekend are the culmination of this year of activity and a great opportunity for people to find out more about these dramatic events.”

Youngsters from R A Butler Academy were among those who met the marchers and got the chance to check out the group’s kit, similar to that which would have been used by King Harold and his men.

Nigel Amos, who is leading the 1066 march on behalf of English Heritage, said; “I have been involved in re-enactment for many years and for me this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“We do as much as we can to research the details of the history we re-enact, but there’s nothing like a personal experience like this to understand what it was like and offer an even more authentic window on that world to inspire and inform others.

“The legacy of the Norman Conquest is all around us.

“For me, this march is a great way of highlighting the enormity of what the people involved in the campaigns of 1066 undertook, as well as appreciating the richness of our country’s heritage.”